The Delicious Toddies that Are Taking Over America’s Ski Towns

When the weather shifts from “pleasantly crisp” to “downright chilly,” those of us with booze on the brain start dreaming of one thing: Hot Toddies.

Sure, the combination of warm whiskey, lemon and honey is never going to miss the mark, but Toddies are a drink category ripe for more creative interpretation, fueled by a spectrum of complimentary cozy flavors and—of course—the dichotomy of hot and cold.

Advertisement

In ski towns across the country, snowbound bartenders have become experts in crafting the kind of Toddies that are perfect for sipping after a day on the slopes. Even if your coordination levels are more bunny hill than black diamond, these steamy cocktails will ensure a successful après ski.

Berkeley Brooks, General Manager, Prohibition Pig, Waterbury, VT

Favorite Toddy: “My favorite Toddy that we serve is called To Your Health. It’s made with Rittenhouse rye, ginger liqueur, raw honey and turmeric ginger tea.”

Most memorable day on the slopes: “One morning, I was trying to get a couple of [ski] runs in before going to work. The sky was really dark and overcast at the base [of the mountain], but I took the gondola up anyway. When I got to the top, the warm sun was glowing over all of the trees. It was just spectacular to see the difference in climate from the top to the bottom of the mountain.”

Jason Gartz, General Manager, The Stihl Whiskey Bar, Bend, OR

Favorite Toddy: “My all-time favorite Toddy is a bit of a pain to make because it requires baked apple. I’ve always called it the Spiced Apple Pie Toddy, and it’s made with apple whiskey, agave, cinnamon sugar-spiced baked apple and hot water. It’s garnished with a cinnamon stick.”

Worst day on the slopes: “I had these terrible ski boots I was [trying out] that were awful. After a day of skiing, my uncle ordered a round while I took them off, and my feet hurt so much from the boots I poured my Toddy into a bar rag and wrapped my feet. The server thought I was crazy, but saw my face and brought me a new drink—and made it a double. The worst boot pain ever was relieved by a Toddy!”

Brittany Fells, Bartender, The Rose, Jackson Hole, WY

Favorite Toddy: “We did a riff on a hot buttered rum with Flor de Caña, pear brandy, black walnut bitters and a slab of butter, served warm. It was amazing—my favorite Toddy of all time.”

Favorite ski memory: “Jackson is very much a work hard, party hard, ski hard kind of town. My favorite memories involve the last days of the season, when we do an event called Gaper Day. We all dress up in silly costumes and old, outdated ski gear and make fun of all the tourists we’ve put up with for the winter season.”